Evaluation of Antiangiogenic Effect of the Leaves of Justicia gendarussa (Burm. f ) (Acanthaceae) by Chrio Allontoic Membrane Method

Problem statement: Angiogenesis involves the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels plays a crucial role in pathological processes such as diabetic retinopathy, arthritis and in the growth of solid tumors. Numerous reports had pointed out to the crucial role of neovascularization in the malignancy of tumors and other angiogenesis dependant diseases. Antiangiogenic therapy which targets activated endothelial cells having several advantages over therapy directed against tumor cells. Determine the antiangiogenic potential of the leaves of Justicia gendarussa by CAM (Chrio Allontoic Membrane assay) method. Approach: A chick chrio allontoic membrane assay was carried out. Six eggs were used per experiment to test one extract at a given dose. The upper part of the shell of the eggs were removed like a window, covered with a plastic film and incubated for 72 h. When the CAM is about 1.8-2.6 cm development the pellets containing test solution both aqueous and ethanolic placed on the CAM by means of micropipette. After 24 h antiangiogenic effect was measured by means of a stereomicroscope to observe the avascular zone surrounding the pellet. Results: Below 10 μg both extracts showed no effect. In the dose range of 50 μg mL^-1 of ethanolic extract and 100 μg mL^-1 of aqueous extract showed inhibition of neovascularization. The effect was in dose dependant manner. Conclusion: These results indicated that both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Justica gendarussa inhibits the angiogenesois in dose dependant fashion and it provides a scientific basis for its traditional use in the treatment of arthtitis which is an angiogenesis dependant disease.